julie kibler
15 going on 30
Are you a teen who loves to read "above level" or a parent of a teen who always borrows your books? Since my girls started stealing books from me, they read a lot more. My daughter even offered me a bit of flattery recently -- "If you say I'll like it, I probably will. We seem to have the same taste in books." Too bad I can't withhold books in exchange for housecleaning, but that just wouldn't be right.
Following are a few books that I've found really grab teens' attention, or I suspect they might based on ... well, just based on my opinion. :) I'll add or update on occasion. To your right are additional authors teens might enjoy.
Some do include graphic scenes or touch on sensitive topics, including sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll. If that worries you, perhaps you should read along. You'd be surprised how well reading together can open the lines of communication between you and your child, who may be more grown up than you suspect.
I'll attempt to mention the issues that might show up in each recommended book, but remember, you're the parent, not me! We might disagree about what's okay for a teen to read.
Joy School
by Elizabeth BergElizabeth Berg has the ability to make you laugh so hard you ... well, never mind. :) But on the next page, you might want to cry. My daughter read Joy School behind me at about age 12. This book brings back bittersweet memories of being 14 and falling in love with the guy across the street. It didn't matter that he was probably 10-12 years older, he was the sweetest guy I had ever met. And he was a hunk. AND ... he frequently sunbathed in the yard. That should have been a clue -- my other neighbor eventually broke my heart when she informed me he was gay. But that unrequited teen hero worship of the older man from afar is probably far more common than most of us would ever admit.
There are two other Berg books about the same character -- True to Form and Durable Goods. We haven't read Durable Goods, but enjoyed True to Form as much as Joy School.
From School Library journal:
A 13-year-old girl falls in love with a 21-year-old garage mechanic who saves her life. From this unrequited love and other sorrows, she learns about the joys of life.
Contains: It's been long enough since I read this that I don't really remember. I'm pretty sure references to sex, if any, are very mild.
Recommended for ages 12 and up ... in my opinion.
Orange Mint and Honey
by Carleen BriceMother/Daughter relationships are hard. Sometimes so hard, they almost don't survive. This award winning debut novel by my friend Carleen Brice is about a mother and daughter who almost didn't make it. It'll break your heart and put it back together again.
Amazon.com's description:
Broke and burned-out from grad school, Shay Dixon does the unthinkable after receiving a “vision” from her de facto spiritual adviser, blues singer Nina Simone. She phones Nona, the mother she had all but written off, asking if she can come home for a while.
When Shay was growing up, Nona was either drunk, hungover, or out with her latest low-life guy. So Shay barely recognizes the new Nona, now sober and with a positive outlook on life, a love of gardening, and a toddler named Sunny. Though reconciliation seems a hard proposition for Shay, something unmistakable is taking root inside her, waiting to blossom like the morning glories opening up in Nona’s garden sanctuary.
Contains: Fairly graphic sex, many reference to alcohol and drug abuse, religious references, trichotillomania (an obsessive/compulsive hair pulling disorder)
Recommended for ages 15 and up ... in my opinion.
